Campus News

Dr. Mirela Oliva, assistant professor of philosophy, recently connected with the world, talking to specialists on hermeneutics Rome and conducting research in Germany. Her recent book and research have garnered attention all over the globe.

Oliva conducted a video conference at a colloquium, via Skype, about her book, “Das innere Verbum in Gadamers Hermeneutik,” which is “The Verbum Interius in Gadamer's Hermeneutics” in English. The colloquium was organized by the Accademia delle Scienze Umane e Sociali in Rome, Italy. Several Italian specialists in hermeneutics, which is the art of interpretation and understanding, were on hand at the colloquium such as, Riccardo Dottori, Pietro de Vitiis, Gaspare Mura, Enrico Garlaschelli and Carolina Carriero.

The discussion was moderated by Angela Ales Bello, who touched on some problematic aspects in the Gadamerian hermeneutics, such as the possibility of metaphysics or Gadamer's ability to give a full account of language in its concrete articulation.

Oliva's book was published in 2009 by the German editor Mohr Siebeck in Tübingen, Germany, in the series “Hermeneutische Untersuchungen zur Theologie.” The book works out Gadamer's interpretation of the medieval tradition of inner word, especially of St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas and Cusanus. The hermeneutic treatment of the medieval concept of verbum interius brings up the philosophical relevance of the dogmas of Trinity and Incarnation and formulates a broad metaphysical account of language.

Because of her extensive research record, Oliva received a grant from DAAD, the German Academic Exchange Service, to conduct research for three months at the Thomas Institut, University of Cologne in Germany.

While in Cologne, Oliva, who holds a German doctorate, will enhance her academic collaboration with Germany and her German colleagues. She will use the rich resources of the library of the Thomas Institut, which contains the best editions of texts in medieval philosophy and also an up-to-date secondary literature. She hopes her research at the Thomas Institut will represent a decisive stage in the work on her new book on meaning.

DAAD is the largest foundation in Germany that provides grants for international exchanges. It gives grants to scholars at all levels of academic achievement—from undergraduate students to full professors. This is the third time Oliva has received a grant from DAAD. She was previously a DAAD scholar both as an undergraduate and as a graduate student.